The 2025 NRL season was one to forget for the Newcastle Knights in terms of results, culminating in the dreaded wooden spoon. However, a significant silver lining emerged from the club's turbulent campaign: a remarkable number of young players were blooded in first grade.
A Season of Opportunity Amid Adversity
Former coach Adam O'Brien, navigating a crippling injury crisis, was forced to fast-track the development of several prospects. Over the course of the year, he utilised 33 players in total, a statistic that underscores the team's instability. From that group, 11 players made their club debuts, with eight of those experiencing the NRL for the very first time.
While the circumstances were far from ideal, the exposure to top-flight rugby league is considered invaluable for the long-term growth of these athletes. The 'Class of 2025' was a diverse mix, ranging in age from 19 to 24, and included both homegrown talents from the Knights' development pathways and recruits with prior NRL experience elsewhere.
Standouts and Departures from the Debutant Group
James Schiller arrived from Canberra with 15 games of NRL experience and became a regular fixture, adding 17 more appearances in red and blue. The 24-year-old winger crossed for nine tries, showcasing his finishing ability, but will face fierce competition for a backline spot in 2026.
One of the most exciting revelations was Jermaine McEwen. The back-rower announced himself with a physically imposing debut in round three and consistently held his own against established stars. With veteran Tyson Frizell ageing and Kai Pearce-Paul's departure, McEwen is well-placed to push for a starting berth.
Fletcher Hunt's rise was a remarkable story. Not originally slated for a full NRL pre-season, the 19-year-old ended up playing 12 first-grade games, proving a versatile and reliable option in the outside backs with impressive aerial skills.
Young prop Cody Hopwood, a highly-regarded Australian Schoolboys representative, made his debut in the final round. The 19-year-old West Maitland junior, standing at 196cm and 105kg, possesses the size and maturity to develop into a first-grade regular in the coming years.
Fullback Connor Votano, still only 19, got a tough initiation in a losing side late in the season but displayed glimpses of the talent that has drawn comparisons to teammate Fletcher Sharpe.
Those Who Have Moved On
The season also marked the end of the road at the Knights for several debutants. Tyrone Thompson, who debuted alongside his twin brother Leo, played three games before returning to rugby union in New Zealand. Paul Bryan's courageous debut was cruelly cut short by a dislocated shoulder, and he has since joined the Manly Sea Eagles.
Brock Greacen, a local junior from Denman, played one game before securing a move to Super League club Castleford Tigers. Playmaker Jake Arthur, a mid-season signing, started four of his five games in the halves but was not retained and is now with Fulham FC in the English Championship.
Other debutants included hooker Matt Arthur, who gained crucial experience in NSW Cup, and forward Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, a hard-hitting prospect contracted for two more years who featured seven times off the bench.
The influx of youth provides a foundation for the Knights' rebuild. While the 2025 season was defined by losses, the development of this rookie cohort could prove to be its most lasting legacy as the club looks to climb back up the NRL ladder.
